You all remember "The Secret", right? It was a wildly successful book and philosophy that everyone was talking about a few years back. It basically says that we live under the laws of attraction. That consciously or not, we draw to us what we get - whether positive or negative, and that by focusing on what we want, believing that we will get it, and living as if we already have it, the universe will reorganize itself to give us what we want. That Mercedes you see yourself in? Its yours. That 500K job you long for? In the bag. The house in Malibu? Start packing.
I don't wish to poke fun of people who believe in this. In fact, it is seductive. If I can think it, I can have it. Who wouldn't love that? But here's a secret about "the secret". There may be some power there but be careful what you wish for. And how.
First of all, there is no secret about living with positive thinking. In fact it is scriptural. "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones", Prov 17:22. Further, "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" Phil 4:8. Of course our attitude makes all the difference in how our lives are going to go. And yes, if you live with negative thoughts, you are likely to be a negative person and you are not going to enjoy your life. On the flip side, if you are positive, you focus on what is good and when things go wrong you will work to take the negative and use it for positive. That is scriptural as well. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" Rom 8:28.
The Secret also speaks a great deal about gratitude. Again, no secret. "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances" Thes 5:16-18.
There is a lot said about "believing" you will get what you want in the philosophy of "The Secret" as well. Believing is not a new concept. "Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. For what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil(*), know how to give good things to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Mat 7:7-11 (*) evil , meaning with an imperfect nature.
So all of this has been around forever. But here is where it falls apart for me. In this entire documentary, I heard nothing about contentedness, nor did I hear anything about anything other than personal desire and agenda.
There is nothing wrong with wealth. Certainly life can go smoother without financial concerns. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't love luxury. I wish I had more. Who doesn't love the idea of sailing on a beautiful yacht or traveling the world first class, or just a kitchen renovation? But if the means are to those ends specifically, there is no real happiness. And that, is probably the real the secret. Contentedness must come into play for there to be joy and fulfillment. "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" Phil 4:11-13.
And if we ask for and believe that the universe will give us all that we want, we have to consider that the "universe" is everything. Space, galaxies, planets, suns, moons, black holes, earth, all living creatures - including us - we are all part of the universe. If we believe that the universe has the intelligence to coordinate everything in its endless capacity and bend the "collective will" - including mine - to grant you what you want, someone, at some point is going to be disappointed. Because I am part of the universe and what I want and what you want may collide. But if we believe that God is not the universe but instead the creator of the universe, we can see how He alone can work things out for His own purposes, and that lining up with what He wants will bring you complete fulfillment. Because, after all, you are His idea. And the true desires of your heart were planted there by Him.
The "secret", although it really isn't a secret, is a reliance on God, an attitude that is positive and affirming, grateful and contented, prayerful and expectant, seeking of purpose and understanding for God's design, direction, and fulfillment. Because in the end, our own desires fall short of fulfilling us. "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore" Psalm 16: 11. And truth be told, that while you may find yourself blessed with riches, God is not terribly interested in those. He made them, he understands the benefit of them, but they are not eternal things.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." If this is indeed from the creator of the universe, can it possibly be any better that that?
Of course, we are free to visualize personal prosperity, material wealth, large houses, boats, cars, money - all of the things we long for that we feel will make us complete and happy. I remember so many times in my life, praying fervently for stuff - the right apartment, the new car, that some guy would like me, for a bigger paycheck, on and on - and found that the contentedness in having them was very short lived. There was nothing wrong with wanting those things. There was nothing wrong with getting those things, There was nothing wrong with praying for those things. There was something wrong with thinking those things would fulfill me. There was something wrong being so focused on the stuff I wanted to make me happy in my life that I had no interest in lining up with what God wanted for me.
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mat 16:26.
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